Omar Thomas on making “Griot Songs” at GBH
Omar Thomas is a large ensemble composer who’s had work commissioned by Eastman New Jazz Ensemble, the Boston Gay Men’s Chorus, and the Colorado Symphony Orchestra. His newest album, “Griot Songs,” was recorded entirely in the GBH Fraser Performance Studio. He spoke to Al Davis and Va Lynda Robinson about the process.
Music & Culture Events
-
In Person
GBH Music Presents: Christina Day Martinson and Friends
Join Grammy-nominated baroque violinist Christina Day Martinson and her acclaimed collaborators for an intimate recital celebrating her extraordinary career and the forthcoming documentary A Second Movement, which captures her life story and artistry. The evening showcases the full breadth of Christina’s musical expression, featuring selections from her Grammy-nominated album Biber: The Mystery Sonatas alongside new compositions. Hosted by WCRB’s Brian McCreath, this special performance also includes conversations with Christina and features guest performers: theorbo player Michael Leopold, composer and pianist Olivia Pérez-Collellmir, and composer/musician Mehmet Ali Sanlıkol.
Photo credit: Courtesy of A Second Movement.
Sign up for GBH newsletters
GBH offers several newsletters focused on the topics that matter to you.
Culture in the News
Kick back with one of our 2025 summer-reading selections
Three local librarians share their picks for every kind of reader for this summer.
-
BAMS Fest highlights local and national artists, showcasing Boston’s rich cultural heritage
The Boston Arts and Music Soul Fest, also known as BAMS Fest, takes over Franklin Park’s Playstead Field June 29 and 30. -
Boston’s cricket craze continues as the US co-hosts Men’s T20 World Cup
For the first time, the U.S. is co-hosting the Men’s World Cup with the West Indies. Just another indication of the growing enthusiasm in America for cricket, the second most popular sport in the world after soccer. -
In ‘Horror Movie,’ novelist Paul Tremblay explores the legend of a cursed cult classic horror film
"The part of it I just really wanted to dig into is the collaborative process. When do these people go over a line where this group thought, 'Well, we're making decisions that are best for the movie and not necessarily the best for the individuals'?" says author Paul Tremblay.
GBH Music
More Culture Programs
-
Garth Brooks | "Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word"
Garth Brooks performs "Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word" at the 2024 Gershwin Prize.| 3:49 -
Elton John and Bernie Taupin | "Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting"
Elton John performs "Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting" at the 2024 Gershwin Prize.| 5:08 -
Joyce DiDonato and Ryan McKinny in "Dead Man Walking"
Joyce DiDonato and Ryan McKinny perform the Act II aria.| 1:32 -
Episode 6, Season 2024<br> Author Talk with ReShonda Tate
Bestselling author ReShonda Tate discusses her new novel "The Queen of Sugar Hill".| 32:28